I have some. And they seem to work fine. The hives with them seem to not beard as often but on the really hot days it does not seem to work any better than the hives with out them. Ive started making them it's a little cheaper and I get a little satisfaction out of making some of my equipment.

I've been experimenting with ventilated covers of a much cruder design this season. Being located in Sacramento, I would expect that you wouldn't have the requirements for insulation in the Winter, as I do.

I'm curious to know how these covers are insulated to prevent condensation in the winter.

Thanks everyone for your input. And thank you Annette for the link. I knew I has seen another version somewhere but just could not remember where. Last winter I made lids from pink insulation for my hives which worked quite well. I got the idea from David Cushman's site. Here is a link: http://website.lineone.net/~dave.cushman/ventilation.htmlThis past summer I added a makeshift version of a screened ventilated inner covers getting the idea from Dadants and mixed the pink lids and screened inner covers which were great for summer. So I can see how HoneyRunApiaries ventilated lids would work. Like BB said the lids look to be a very versatile system. I had a bear come thru my yard 3 weeks ago and take out 3 of my largest hives. When I found the insulated lids busted up I realize wooden lids would be sturdier and some kind of ventilated, insulated inner cover may work better for me. So thanks again to everyone.

I've been experimenting with ventilated covers of a much cruder design this season. Being located in Sacramento, I would expect that you wouldn't have the requirements for insulation in the Winter, as I do.

I'm curious to know how these covers are insulated to prevent condensation in the winter.

It looks to be a very versatile system.

BB

I do have to insulate in the winter as we can get down to the 20's and 30's at night in Dec and Jan. ( I live in the foothills, not Sacramento) They come with separate foam insulation that I place back in the top come cold Fall nights. Mostly because of the upper entrance on them, there is no more moisture problems.

I like the concept of the adjustable entrance, but I don't get how your's work with the screened board in place. Are you using a bottom entrance, and this is an escape for bees that get in under the outer cover?

Here I hope is a picture of a couple of ventilated tops with a empty box on top used for feeding purposes.

The top has 3 holes covered with # 8 wire, I can feed, refill, etc with out disturbing the bees.

In the winter I cover the 3 holes with seperate pieces of card board, then cover these with large bark mulch. In late Jan. I brush the mulch to the side, remove the cardboard covering the center hole and feed.

The top adj, opening is open in the winter & summer except when feeding.The bottom entrance during the winter is closed except for several 3/ holes.

Bee-Bop

Logged

" If Your not part of the genetic solution of breeding mite-free bees, then You're part of the problem "

One question for Annette. Do you use the pink insulation inside in the winter on the all season inner cover ? It looks like from what I can see by the picture that the insulation would block off the the holes completely that provide the cross ventilation.

One question for Annette. Do you use the pink insulation inside in the winter on the all season inner cover ? It looks like from what I can see by the picture that the insulation would block off the the holes completely that provide the cross ventilation.

Yes you are correct that the pink insulation goes inside the inner cover. It blocks off the hole in the center only. (the hole for feeding) It doesn't go up high enough to block off the other holes on the sides, but it really doesn't matter once you block off the center hole you are already blocking off any ventilation on the top of the hive. Which is a good thing since it is not good to have all that air going up and out of the hive in the winter. This is when the side top entrance comes in handy. It provides not only another entrance for them, but provides ventilation for the winter months. If this isn't clear, just ask away. I just love these covers.